Sonny Criss Catalog
1946 (age 19)
Various Artists - Modern Trumpet Leaders (IAJRC 25)
Howard McGhee, Gerald Wilson, trumpet; Vic Dickenson, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Teddy Edwards, James King, tenor sax; Jimmy Bunn, piano; Charles Mingus, bass; Roy Porter, drums.
Los Angeles, CA, spring 1946
| KFI-23333 | Sweet Potato |
| KRI-23337 | Hoggin' |
| KFI-23345 | Blues A La King |
| FKI-26610 | Night Mist |
Ernie Lewis - Vernon Alley's Blues / Hit That Jive Jack (Pacific 610)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; unknown, piano; Ernie Lewis, guitar; Vernon Alley, bass; Roy Porter, drums.
Los Angeles, CA, summer 1946
| Vernon Alley's Blues | |
| Hit That Jive Jack |
1947 (age 20)
Sonny Criss, Howard McGhee, Dodo Marmarosa - California Boppin' (Jazz Showcase 5005)
Howard McGhee, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Teddy Edwards, tenor sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Addison Farmer, bass; Roy Porter, drums.
"Hi-De-Ho Club", Los Angeles, CA, circa March, 1947
| Ornithology | |
| The Man I Love |
Al Killian, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Charles Fox, piano; Shifty Henry, bass; Tim Kennedy, drums.
Portland, OR, October 17, 1947
| Blue Lou | |
| Semi-Quiet |
Billy Eckstine - I Surrender, Dear (EmArcy MG-36010)
Ray Linn, trumpet; Gerald Vlentine, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Warren Bracken, piano; unknown, guitar; Shifty Henry, bass; Tim Kennedy, drums; Billy Eckstine, vocals, valve trombone.
Los Angeles, CA, April 21, 1947
| NSC257 | All Of Me |
| NSC259 | Prelude To A Kiss |
| NSC263 | In My Solitude |
| NSC264 | Sophisticated Lady |
Billy Eckstine - The Love Songs Of Mr. "B" (EmArcy MG-36030)
Ray Linn, trumpet; Gerald Vlentine, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Warren Bracken, piano; unknown, guitar; Shifty Henry, bass; Tim Kennedy, drums; Billy Eckstine, vocals, valve trombone.: same session.
Los Angeles, CA, April 21, 1947
| NSC258 | Where Are You |
Billy Eckstine - Blues For Sale (EmArcy MG-36029)
Ray Linn, trumpet; Gerald Vlentine, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Warren Bracken, piano; unknown, guitar; Shifty Henry, bass; Tim Kennedy, drums; Billy Eckstine, vocals, valve trombone.: same session.
Los Angeles, CA, April 21, 1947
| NSC260 | She's Got The Blues For Sale |
Billy Eckstine - You Call It Madness (Regent MG 6058)
Ray Linn, trumpet; Gerald Vlentine, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Warren Bracken, piano; unknown, guitar; Shifty Henry, bass; Tim Kennedy, drums; Billy Eckstine, vocals, valve trombone.: same session.
Los Angeles, CA, April 21, 1947
| NSC261 | What's New |
| NSC262 | Serenade In Blue |
The Modern Jazz Stars - Jazz Surprise (Crown CLP 5008)
Howard McGhee, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Dodo Marmarosa, piano; Red Callender, bass; Jackie Mills, drums.
Los Angeles, CA, circa April 27, 1947
| Donna Lee (as Scratch) |
Billy Eckstine Sings (Savoy SJL 1127)
Ray Linn, trumpet; Gerald Vlentine, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Warren Bracken, piano; unknown, guitar; Shifty Henry, bass; Tim Kennedy, drums; Billy Eckstine, vocals, valve trombone.
Los Angeles, CA, April 27, 1947
| I Surrender, Dear | |
| Memories Of You | |
| Our Love | |
| There Are Such Things | |
| Say It Isn't So | |
| I Do, Do You | |
| Blues |
Stan Getz - Groovin' High (Modern LMP 1202)
Howard McGhee, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Dodo Marmarosa, piano; Red Callender, bass; Jackie Mills, drums.
"Civic Auditorium", Pasadena, CA, April 29, 1947
| MM910 | Groovin' High, Part 1 |
| MM911 | Groovin' High, Part 2 |
| MM1003 | Hot House, Part 1 |
| MM1004 | Hot House, Part 2 |
** also issued on Crown CLP 5002, CLP 5284. United US 7709 as "Groovin' With Getz".
Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray - Jazz Concert - West Coast (Savoy MG 12012)
Howard McGhee, trumpet; Trummy Young, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; possibly Leroy Gray, bass; Ken Kennedy, drums.
"Elks Auditorium", Los Angeles, CA, July 6, 1947
| BOP3 | The Hunt, Part 1 (as Rock' N' Shoals) |
| BOP4 | The Hunt, Part 2 (as Rock' N' Shoals) |
| BOP5 | The Hunt, Part 3 (as Rock' N' Shoals) |
| BOP6 | The Hunt, Part 4 (as Rock' N' Shoals) |
| BOP7 | The Hunt, Part 5 (as Rock' N' Shoals) |
| BOP8 | The Hunt, Part 6 (as Rock' N' Shoals) |
| BOP9 | The Hunt, Part 7 (as Rock' N' Shoals) |
| BOP10 | The Hunt, Part 8 (as Rock' N' Shoals) |
same session.
| BOP15 | Bopera, Part 1 (as Disorder At The Border) |
| BOP16 | Bopera, Part 2 (as Disorder At The Border) |
| BOP17 | Bopera, Part 3 (as Disorder At The Border) |
| BOP18 | Bopera, Part 4 (as Disorder At The Border) |
| BOP19 | Bopera, Part 5 (as Disorder At The Border) |
| BOP20 | Bopera, Part 6 (as Disorder At The Border) |
| BOP21 | Bopera, Part 7 (as Disorder At The Border) |
Various Artists - Black California: The Savoy Sessions (Savoy SJL 2215)
Al Killian, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Russ Freeman, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; Harry Babasin, bass; Ken Kennedy, drums.
"Elks Auditorium", Los Angeles, CA, July 6, 1947
| BOP30 | Backbreaker, Part 1 |
| BOP31 | Backbreaker, Part 2 |
| BOP32 | Backbreaker, Part 3 |
| BOP33 | Backbreaker, Part 4 |
| BOP34 | Backbreaker, Part 5 |
| BOP35 | Backbreaker, Part 6 |
Dexter Gordon & Wardell Gray - The Hunt (Savoy SJL 2222)
Howard McGhee, trumpet; Trummy Young, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; Red Callender, bass; Roy Porter, drums.
"Elks Auditorium", Los Angeles, CA, July 6, 1947
| BOP36 | Bopland, Part 1 (as Byas-A-Drink) |
| BOP37 | Bopland, Part 2 (as Byas-A-Drink) |
| BOP38 | Bopland, Part 3 (as Byas-A-Drink) |
| BOP39 | Bopland, Part 4 (as Byas-A-Drink) |
| BOP40 | Bopland, Part 5 (as Byas-A-Drink) |
| BOP41 | Bopland, Part 6 (as Byas-A-Drink) |
Various Artists - Jazz Concert West Coast (Regent MG 6049)
Howard McGhee, trumpet; Trummy Young, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; Red Callender, bass; Roy Porter, drums.: same session.
"Elks Auditorium", Los Angeles, CA, July 6, 1947
| BOP42 | Jeronimo, Part 1 (as Cherrykoke) (as Cherokee) |
| BOP43 | Jeronimo, Part 2 (as Cherrykoke) (as Cherokee) |
| BOP44 | Jeronimo, Part 3 (as Cherrykoke) (as Cherokee) |
| BOP45 | Jeronimo, Part 4 (as Cherrykoke) (as Cherokee) |
| BOP46 | Jeronimo, Part 5 (as Cherrykoke) (as Cherokee) |
| BOP47 | Jeronimo, Part 6 (as Cherrykoke) (as Cherokee) |
| BOP48 | Jeronimo, Part 7 (as Cherrykoke) (as Cherokee) |
| BOP49 | Jeronimo, Part 8 (as Cherrykoke) (as Cherokee) |
Al Killian, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Russ Freeman, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; Harry Babasin, bass; Ken Kennedy, drums.
| BOP50 | Blow Blow Blow, Part 1 |
| BOP51 | Blow Blow Blow, Part 2 |
| BOP52 | Blow Blow Blow, Part 3 |
| BOP53 | Blow Blow Blow, Part 4 |
** also issued on Savoy MG 12196.
Dexter Gordon - Long Tall Dexter: The Savoy Sessions (Savoy SJL 2211)
Howard McGhee, trumpet; Trummy Young, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dexter Gordon, tenor sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; Red Callender, bass; Roy Porter, drums.
"Elks Auditorium", Los Angeles, CA, July 6, 1947
| BOP54 | Bop After Hours, Part 1 (as After Hours Bop) |
| BOP55 | Bop After Hours, Part 2 (as After Hours Bop) |
| BOP56 | Bop After Hours, Part 3 (as After Hours Bop) |
| BOP57 | Bop After Hours, Part 4 (as After Hours Bop) |
| BOP58 | Bop After Hours, Part 5 (as After Hours Bop) |
| BOP59 | Bop After Hours, Part 6 (as After Hours Bop) |
The Sonny Criss Memorial Album (Xanadu 200)
Al Killian, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Charles Fox, piano; Shifty Henry, bass; Tim Kennedy, drums.
Portland, OR, October 17, 1947
| The Creep | |
| Out Of Nowhere | |
| Blue 'N' Boogie |
Clark Terry, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Jimmy Bunn, piano; Billy Hadnott, bass; Chuck Thompson, drums; Damita Jo, vocals.
"Hula Hut Club", Los Angeles, CA, August 27, 1950
| I Can't Give You Anything But Love |
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Gil Barrios, piano; Dave Bryant, bass; Billy Snyder, drums.
"Trade Winds", Inglewood, CA, September 4, 1952
| Strike Up The Band |
Sonny Criss, alto sax #1-4, soprano sax #5; Hampton Hawes, piano; Clarence Johnson, bass; Frank Butler, drums.
Los Angeles, CA, June 15, 1965
| 1. | Saturday Morning |
| 2. | When Sunny Gets Blue |
| 3. | The Masquerade Is Over |
| 4. | What's New |
| 5. | Ursula |
1949
Flip Phillips And His Orchestra Featuring Howard McGhee, Benny Green - Flip (Clef MGC-693)
John D'Agostino, Buddy Morrow, Tommy Turk, Kai Winding, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Flip Phillips, tenor sax; Mickey Crane, piano; Ray Brown, bass; Shelly Manne, drums.
NYC or Los Angeles, CA, February 11 or September 26, 1949
| 2538 | 288-4 | Swingin' For Julie And Brownie (aka Put That Back) |
| 2540 | 290-4 | By The Lazy River |
** also issued on Verve MGV-8077.
Various Artists - The Jazz Scene (Verve 314 521 661-2)
John D'Agostino, Buddy Morrow, Tommy Turk, Kai Winding, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Flip Phillips, tenor sax; Mickey Crane, piano; Ray Brown, bass; Shelly Manne, drums.: same session.
NYC or Los Angeles, CA, February 11 or September 26, 1949
| Swingin' For Julie And Brownie (alternate take) | |
| Flip's Idea |
J.A.T.P. At Carnegie Hall 1949 (Pablo PACD-5311-2)
Fats Navarro, trumpet; Tommy Turk, trombone; Sonny Criss, Charlie Parker, alto sax; Flip Phillips, tenor sax; Hank Jones, piano; Ray Brown, bass; Shelly Manne, drums.
"Carnegie Hall", NYC, February 11 or November 2, 1949
| Norman Granz Introduction | |
| Leap Here | |
| (Back Home Again In) Indiana | |
| Lover Come Back To Me |
Tommy Turk And His Orchestra, Sonny Criss And His Orchestra, The Six - An Evening Of Jazz (Norgran MGN-1065)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Iggy Shevack, bass; Chuck Thompson, drums.
Los Angeles, CA, September 22, 1949
| 272-6 | Colidad |
| 273-4 | Tornade |
| 274-1 | The First One |
| 275-3 | Blues For The Boppers |
** also issued on Verve MGV-8155.
1950
Wardell Gray Memorial, Volume Two (Prestige PRLP 7009)
Clark Terry, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Jimmy Bunn, piano; Billy Hadnot, bass; Chuck Thompson, drums.
"Hula Hut Club", Los Angeles, CA, August 27, 1950
| (1233) | Kiddo, Part 1 & 2 (as Scrapple From The Apple) |
| (1234) | Kiddo, Part 3 & 4 (as Scrapple From The Apple) |
** also issued on Original Jazz Classics OJC-051.
** part of Prestige PR 7343 as "Wardell Gray Memorial Album".
1951
Sonny Criss - Intermission Riff (Pablo 2310-929)
Joe Newman, trumpet; Bennie Green, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, tenor sax; Bobby Tucker, piano; Tommy Potter, bass; Kenny Clarke, drums.
"Shrine Auditorium", Los Angeles, CA, October 12, 1951
| Intermission Riff | |
| How High The Moon | |
| Perdido | |
| Body And Soul | |
| High Jump |
** also issued on Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-961-2.
1952
Various Artists - The West Coast Jam Sessions (Jam Session No. 103)
Chet Baker, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, Dave Pell, tenor sax; Jerry Mandell, piano; Harry Babasin, cello, leader; Bob Whitlock, bass; Lawrence Marable, drums.
"Trade Winds", Inglewood, CA, March 24, 1952
| Out Of Nowhere |
Billy Hadnott And His Orchestra (Federal 12084)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Ruddy Pits, vibes; Ernie Freeman, piano; Oscar Moore, guitar; Billy Hadnott, bass; Budy Reed, drums.
Los Angeles, CA, April 26, 1952
| Ooh China | |
| My Ideal |
Billy Hadnott And His Orchestra (Federal 12096)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Ruddy Pits, vibes; Ernie Freeman, piano; Oscar Moore, guitar; Billy Hadnott, bass; Budy Reed, drums.: same session.
Los Angeles, CA, April 26, 1952
| Limehouse Blues | |
| Junk Wagon |
Harry Babasin, Sonny Criss, Chet Baker, Charlie Parker, Al Haig, Laurance Marable - Inglewood Jam 6-16-52 (Jazz Chronicles JCS-102)
Chet Baker, trumpet; Sonny Criss, Charlie Parker, alto sax; Al Haig, piano #1,2,4; Russ Freeman, piano #3; Harry Babasin, bass, leader; Lawrence Marable, drums.
"Trade Winds", Inglewood, CA, June 16, 1952
| 1. | The Squirrel |
| 2. | Irresistible You (as They Didn't Believe Me) |
| 3. | Indiana / Donna Lee (as Indiana) |
| 4. | Liza |
** also issued on Jazz Showcase 5007 as "Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, Sonny Criss - On The Coast". Fresh Sound (Sp) FSR-407, FSR-CD 359 as "Charlie Parker, Chet Baker - Bird And Chet: Inglewood Jam: Live At The Trade Winds 16 June 1952".
Al Haig - Live In Hollywood (Xanadu 206)
Chet Baker, trumpet; Al Haig, piano; Dave Bryant, bass; Larry Bunker, drums; with Sonny Criss, alto sax; Jack Montrose, tenor sax #1,2; added Ted Ottison, trumpet #3.
"Trade Winds", Inglewood, CA, August 4, 1952
| 1. | There'll Never Be Another You |
| 2. | How High The Moon |
| 3. | Sweet Georgia Brown |
1955
The Swinging Buddy Rich (Norgran MGN-1052)
Harry Edison, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Jimmy Rowles, piano; John Simmons, bass; Buddy Rich, drums.
Los Angeles, CA, August 26, 1955
| 2454-1 | Sonny And Sweets |
| 2455-1 | The Two Mothers |
** also issued on Verve MGV-8142.
The Wailing Buddy Rich (Norgran MGN-1078)
Harry Edison, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Jimmy Rowles, piano; John Simmons, bass; Buddy Rich, drums.: same session.
Los Angeles, CA, August 26, 1955
| 2456-1 | A Smooth One |
| 2457-3 | Broadway |
** also issued on Verve MGV-8168.
1956
Sonny Criss - Jazz U.S.A. (Imperial LP-9006)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Kenny Drew, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; Bill Woodson, bass; Chuck Thompson, drums.
Los Angeles, CA, January 26, 1956
| IM-981 | Easy Living |
| IM-982 | Criss Cross |
| IM-983 | Willow Weep For Me |
| IM-984 | Alabamy Bound |
same personnel.
Los Angeles, CA, February 24, 1956
| IM-1012 | Something's Gotta Give |
| IM-1013 | These Foolish Things |
| IM-1014 | West Coast Blues |
| IM-1015 | Blue Friday |
same personnel.
Los Angeles, CA, March 23, 1956
| IM-1034 | More Than You Know |
| IM-1035 | Sunday |
| IM-1036 | Sweet Georgia Brown |
| IM-1037 | Ham's Blues |
Sonny Criss - Go Man! (Imperial LP-9020)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Sonny Clark, piano; Leroy Vinnegar, bass; Lawrence Marable, drums.
Master Recorders, Los Angeles, CA, July 10, 1956
| IM-1084 | Summertime |
| IM-1085 | Memories Of You |
| IM-1086 | Wailin' With Joe |
| IM-1087 | How Deep Is The Ocean |
| IM-1088 | The Blues For Rose |
| IM-1089 | The Man I Love |
same personnel.
Master Recorders, Los Angeles, CA, July 31, 1956
| IM-1090 | Until The Real Thing Comes Along |
| IM-1091 | Blue Prelude |
| IM-1092 | After You've Gone |
| IM-1093 | Come Rain Or Come Shine |
| IM-1094 | How High The Moon |
| IM-1095 | If I Had You |
Sonny Criss Plays Cole Porter (Imperial LP-9024)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Larry Bunker, vibes; Sonny Clark, piano; Buddy Clark, bass; Lawrence Marable, drums.
Radio Recorders, Los Angeles, CA, August 26, 1956
| IM-1101 | What Is This Thing Called Love |
| IM-1102 | Night And Day |
| IM-1103 | Love For Sale |
| IM-1104 | Just One Of Those Things |
| IM-1105 | Anything Goes |
| IM-1106 | I Get A Kick Out Of You |
same personnel.
Radio Recorders, Los Angeles, CA, October 3, 1956
| IM-1155 | Easy To Love |
| IM-1156 | It's All Right With Me |
| IM-1157 | I Love You |
| IM-1158 | In The Still Of The Night |
1957 (age 30)
Sonny Criss, Calvin Jackson - Sessions, Live (Calliope CAL 3024)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Buddy Woodson, bass; Chuck Thompson, drums; Johnny Mercer, host.
KABC-TV, Stars Of Jazz #73. 1957-#47, November 25, 1957
| Easy Livin' | |
| Willow Weep For Me |
same session.
| Wailing For Joe |
Art Pepper, Sonny Criss, Bud Shank - The Altoman (Vantage (J) NLP-5005)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Buddy Woodson, bass; Chuck Thompson, drums; Johnny Mercer, host.: same session.
KABC-TV, Stars Of Jazz #73. 1957-#47, November 25, 1957
| Blues |
Roy Porter Quintet (Debonair 1821, 1822)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Roy Porter, organ; Buddy Woodson, bass; Al Bartee, drums; Richard Washington, bongos.
Los Angeles, CA, 1957
| Wow! | |
| Got A Funny Feelin' | |
| Minor Moods | |
| Love You |
1958
Buddy Rich - The Cinch (Spotlite (E) SPJ 149)
Ole Hansen, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Kenny Drew, piano; Phil Leshin, bass; Buddy Rich, drums.
"Birdland", NYC, November 7, 1958
| Four | |
| In A Prescribed Manner |
Ole Hansen, trombone #1,2; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Kenny Drew, piano; Phil Leshin, bass; Buddy Rich, drums.
"Birdland", NYC, November 8, 1958
| 1. | The Cinch |
| 2. | I Don't Wanna Be Kissed |
| 3. | Our Delight |
1959
Sonny Criss At The Crossroads (Peacock PLP 91)
Ole Hansen, trombone #3,5-7; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wynton Kelly, piano; Bob Cranshaw, bass; Walter Perkins, drums.
Chicago, IL, March, 1959
| 1. 6004 | Sweet Lorraine |
| 2. 6005 | I Got It Bad |
| 3. | Indiana |
| 4. | You Don't Know What Love Is |
| 5. | Sylvia |
| 6. | Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise |
| 7. | Butt's Delight |
** part of Impulse! IA-9337/2 as "Sonny Criss, Kenny Dorham - The Dedication Series, Vol. I: The Bopmasters".
1962
Sonny Criss Quartet (Polydor (F) 27 004)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Henri Renaud, piano; Michel Gaudry, bass; Philippe Combelle, drums.
Paris, France, October 10, 1962
| Mighty Low | |
| Don't Blame Me | |
| Black Coffee | |
| We'll Be Together Again |
1963
Sonny Criss - Mr. Blues Pour Flirter (Brunswick (F) 87 519)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Georges Arvanitas, piano, organ; Rene Thomas, guitar; Pierre Michelot, bass; Philippe Combelle, drums.
Paris, France, April 22, 1963
| Once In A While | |
| Day Dream |
same personnel.
Paris, France, April 23, 1963
| Don't Get Around Much Anymore | |
| St. Louis Blues |
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Georges Arvanitas, piano, organ; Pierre Michelot, bass; Philippe Combelle, drums.
Paris, France, April 25, 1963
| This Can't Be Love | |
| On Green Dolphin Street | |
| God Bless The Child | |
| These Foolish Things |
Sonny Criss Quintet (Polydor (F) 27 049)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Georges Arvanitas, piano, organ; Rene Thomas, guitar; Pierre Michelot, bass; Philippe Combelle, drums.
Paris, France, April 22, 1963
| Blues Pour Flirter | |
| Blues Pour Flirter No. 2 |
same personnel.
Paris, France, April 23, 1963
| Early And Later, Part 1 | |
| Early And Later, Part 2 |
Lou Rawls - Tobacco Road (Capitol T/ST-2042)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Onzy Matthews, piano, arranger, conductor; Lou Rawls, vocals; Onzy Matthews Orchestra.
Los Angeles, CA, July-August, 1963
| Tobacco Road | |
| Cotton Fields | |
| Rockin' Chair | |
| Stormy Weather | |
| Ol' Man River | |
| Blues For A Four String Guitar | |
| St. Louis Blues | |
| Georgia On My Mind | |
| Sentimental Journey | |
| Summertime |
1964
Onzy Matthews - Sounds For The '60's! (Capitol T/ST-2479)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Onzy Matthews, piano, arranger, conductor; Onzy Matthews Orchestra.
Los Angeles, CA, circa 1964
| Mexicali Brass | |
| You'll Know The First Time | |
| Lilies Of The Field | |
| Moon River | |
| Play Me Some Blues | |
| White Gardenia | |
| Ballad For Orchetra | |
| Blues For The Reverend | |
| I Left My Heart In San Francisco | |
| Ray On Blues |
1966
Esther Phillips - Confessin' The Blues (Atlantic SD 1680)
Bill J. Clark, Melvin Moore, Robert H. Rolfe, James Dalton Smith, trumpet; Louis Blackburn, Richard Leith, Peter T. Meyers, Roland E. Meyers, trombone; Gabriel Baltazar, Sonny Criss, alto sax; Louis Dean Ciotti, Ira Schulman, tenor sax; Jay Migliori, baritone sax; Rodgers Grant, piano; Francois Vaz, guitar; Victor Venegas, bass; Charles G. Harris, drums; Esther Phillips, vocals; Onzy Matthews, arranger, director.
Western Recorders, Los Angeles, CA, October 5-7, 1966
| 10936 | 10963 | C.C. Rider |
| 10937 | 10964 | Cherry Red |
| 10938 | 10965 | Confessin' The Blues |
| 10939 | 10966 | I'm Gettin' 'Long Alright |
Melvin Moore, Al Porcino, Robert H. Rolfe, Ray Triscari, trumpet; Louis Blackburn, Richard Leith, Peter T. Meyers, Roland E. Meyers, trombone; Sonny Criss, Jackie Kelso, alto sax; Louis Dean Ciotti, Teddy Edwards, tenor sax; Jay Migliori, baritone sax; Rodgers Grant, piano; Herb Ellis, guitar; Victor Venegas, bass; Charles G. Harris, drums; Esther Phillips, vocals; Onzy Matthews, arranger, director.
United Recording, Los Angeles, CA, October 24, 1966
| 11055 | In The Evening |
| 11056 | Romance In The Dark |
| 11057 | I Wonder |
Sonny Criss - This Is Criss! (Prestige PR 7511)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Walter Davis Jr., piano; Paul Chambers, bass; Alan Dawson, drums.
Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, October 21, 1966
| When Sunny Gets Blue | |
| The Days Of Wine And Roses | |
| Black Coffee | |
| Greasy | |
| Sunrise, Sunset | |
| Skylark | |
| Steve's Blues |
** also issued on Original Jazz Classics OJC-430, OJCCD-430-2.
Sonny Criss - This Is Criss! (Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-430-2)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Walter Davis Jr., piano; Paul Chambers, bass; Alan Dawson, drums.: same session.
Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, October 21, 1966
| Love For Sale |
** reissue of Prestige PR 7511 + 1 bonus track.
1967 (age 40)
Portrait Of Sonny Criss (Prestige PR 7526)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Walter Davis Jr., piano; Paul Chambers, bass; Alan Dawson, drums.
Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, March 23, 1967
| Blues In The Closet | |
| On A Clear Day | |
| Smile | |
| A Million Or More Times | |
| Allen's Alley (aka Wee) | |
| God Bless The Child |
** also issued on Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-655-2.
Sonny Criss - Up, Up And Away (Prestige PR 7530)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Cedar Walton, piano; Tal Farlow, guitar; Bob Cranshaw, bass; Lenny McBrowne, drums.
NYC, August 18, 1967
| Up, Up And Away | |
| Willow Weep For Me | |
| This Is For Benny | |
| Sunny | |
| Scrapple From The Apple | |
| Paris Blues |
** also issued on Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-982-2.
1968
Sonny Criss - The Beat Goes On! (Prestige PR 7558)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Cedar Walton, piano; Bob Cranshaw, bass; Alan Dawson, drums.
NYC, January 12, 1968
| Somewhere My Love (Lara's Theme) | |
| The Beat Goes On! | |
| Georgia Rose | |
| Ode To Billie Joe | |
| Calidad | |
| Yesterdays |
** also issued on Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-1051-2.
Sonny Criss - Sonny's Dream (Birth Of The New Cool) (Prestige PR 7576)
Conte Candoli, trumpet; Dick Nash, trombone; Ray Draper, tuba; David Sherr, alto sax; Sonny Criss, alto, soprano sax; Teddy Edwards, tenor sax; Pete Christlieb, baritone sax; Tommy Flanagan, piano; Al McKibbon, bass; Everett Brown Jr., drums; Horace Tapscott, arranger, composer.
Los Angeles, CA, May 8, 1968
| Sonny's Dream | |
| The Golden Pearl | |
| The Black Apostles | |
| Ballad For Samuel | |
| Sandy And Niles | |
| Daughter Of Cochise |
** also issued on Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-707-2.
Sonny Criss - Sonny's Dream (Birth Of The New Cool) (Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-707-2)
Conte Candoli, trumpet; Dick Nash, trombone; Ray Draper, tuba; David Sherr, alto sax; Sonny Criss, alto, soprano sax; Teddy Edwards, tenor sax; Pete Christlieb, baritone sax; Tommy Flanagan, piano; Al McKibbon, bass; Everett Brown Jr., drums; Horace Tapscott, arranger, composer.: same session.
Los Angeles, CA, May 8, 1968
| Sonny's Dream (alternate take) | |
| The Golden Pearl (alternate take) |
** reissue of Prestige PR 7576 + 2 bonus tracks.
Sonny Criss - Rockin' In Rhythm (Prestige PR 7610)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Eddie Green, piano; Bob Cranshaw, bass; Alan Dawson, drums.
NYC, July 2, 1968
| Eleanor Rigby | |
| When The Sun Comes Out | |
| Sonnymoon For Two | |
| Rockin' In Rhythm | |
| Misty Roses | |
| The Masquerade Is Over |
** also issued on Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-1022-2.
Sonny Criss - Rockin' In Rhythm (Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-1022-2)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Walter Davis Jr., piano; Paul Chambers, bass; Alan Dawson, drums.
Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, March 23, 1967
| All The Things You Are |
** reissue of Prestige PR 7610 + 1 bonus track.
1969
Sonny Criss - I'll Catch The Sun! (Prestige PR 7628)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Monty Budwig, bass; Shelly Manne, drums.
Los Angeles, CA, January 20, 1969
| I'll Catch The Sun | |
| I Thought About You | |
| California Screamin' | |
| Cry Me A River | |
| Don't Rain On My Parade | |
| Blue Sunset |
** also issued on Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-811-2.
1970
The Hampton Hawes All-Stars - Memory Lane Live - From The T.V. Series "Jazz On Stage" (JAS JAS-4005)
Harry Edison, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Teddy Edwards, tenor sax #5; Hampton Hawes, piano; Leroy Vinnegar, bass; Bobby Thompson, drums; Big Joe Turner, vocals #3,4.
"Memory Lane", Los Angeles, CA, January, 1970
| 1. | Memory Lane Blues |
| 2. | Blues For J.L. |
| 3. | Feelin' Happy |
| 4. | Shake, Rattle And Roll |
| 5. | Teddy's Blues |
1971
Sonny Criss - Proceedings Of The Blue Angel Jazz Club: The Complete 1971 Pasadena Jazz Party (BAJC 510 511)
Harry Edison, trumpet #1,2; Clark Terry, trumpet, vocals #3,4; Carl Fontana, trombone #1; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Flip Phillips, tenor sax #1; Jimmy Rowles, piano #1,2; Ross Tompkins, piano #3,4; Herb Ellis, guitar #1,2; Monty Budwig, bass #1,3,4; Montgomery Phillips, bass #2; John Guerin, drums #1; Jake Hanna, drums #2; Donald Bailey, drums #3,4; Joe Williams, vocals #2.
"University Club", Pasadena, CA, November 20, 1971
| 1. | Medley: Someone To Watch Over Me / Wollow Weep For Me / Easter Parade / Body And Soul |
| 2. | Rocks In My Bed |
| 3. | Art Blakey's Theme |
| 4. | My Gal |
1974
Sonny Criss With Georges Arvanitas Trio Live In Italy (Fresh Sound (Sp) FSR-401)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Georges Arvanitas, piano; Jacki Samson, bass; Charles Saudrais, drums.
Bologna, Italy, January 28, 1974
| Tin Tin Deo | |
| Lover Man | |
| Sonny's Blues | |
| Summertime | |
| Willow Weep For Me | |
| Sunny |
Sonny Criss With Georges Arvanitas Trio Live In Italy (Fresh Sound (Sp) FSR-CD 67)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Georges Arvanitas, piano; Jacki Samson, bass; Charles Saudrais, drums.: same session.
Bologna, Italy, January 28, 1974
| Hootie Blues | |
| Untitled Blues |
1975
Sonny Criss - Crisscraft (Muse MR 5068)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dolo Coker, piano; Ray Crawford, guitar; Larry Gales, bass; Jimmy Smith, drums.
Wally Heider Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA, February 24, 1975
| The Isle Of Celia | |
| Blues In My Heart | |
| This Is For Benny | |
| All Night Long | |
| Crisscraft |
** also issued on Muse MCD 6015; 32 Jazz 32049.
Sonny Criss - Crisscraft (Muse MCD 6015)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dolo Coker, piano; Ray Crawford, guitar; Larry Gales, bass; Jimmy Smith, drums.: same session.
Wally Heider Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA, February 24, 1975
| Blues In My Heart (alternate take) |
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dolo Coker, piano; Larry Gales, bass; Jimmie Smith, drums.
Wally Heider Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA, October 20, 1975
| All The Things You Are (alternate take) |
** reissue of Muse MR 5068 + 2 bonus tracks.
Sonny Criss - Saturday Morning (Xanadu 105)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Barry Harris, piano; Leroy Vinnegar, bass; Lenny McBrowne, drums.
Los Angeles, CA, March 1, 1975
| Angel Eyes | |
| Tin Tin Deo | |
| Jeannie's Knees | |
| Saturday Morning | |
| My Heart Stood Still | |
| Until The Real Thing Comes Along |
Sonny Criss - Out Of Nowhere (Muse MR 5089)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dolo Coker, piano; Larry Gales, bass; Jimmie Smith, drums.
Wally Heider Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA, October 20, 1975
| All The Things You Are | |
| The Dreamer | |
| El Tiante | |
| My Ideal | |
| Out Of Nowhere | |
| Brother, Can You Spare A Dime | |
| The First One |
** also issued on Muse MCD 5089; 32 Jazz 32028.
Sonny Criss - Warm & Sonny (Impulse! ASD-9312)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Clarence McDonald, keyboards #1,5,6; Sonny Burke, keyboards #2-4,7; Lee Ritenour, guitar #1,5,6; Dennis Budimir, guitar #2-4,7; Melvin "Wah Wah" Ragin, guitar #3,5-7; Scott Edwards, bass #1,5,6; Chuck Domanico, bass #2-4,7; James Gadson, drums; Eddie "Bongo" Brown, percussion; string section: Charles Veal, concertmaster; Marcia Van Dyke, Winterton Garvey, Harris Goldman, Janice Gower, William Henderson, Karen Jones, Carl LaMagna, Kenneth Yerke, violin; David Campbell, Rollice Dale, Pamela Goldsmith, Paul Polivnick, viola; Ronald Cooper, Dennis Karmazyn, David Speltz, cello; Richard Feves, Susan Ranney, acoustic bass; Dorothy Ashby, harp; horn section: Bud Brisbois, Charles Findley, Paul Hubinon, trumpet, flugelhorn; George Bohanon, trombone; Lew McCreary, bass trombone; Vincent DeRosa, French horn; Buddy Collette, tenor sax, flute; Bill Green, bass sax, flute.
ABC Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA, 1975-1976
| 1. | Cool Struttin' |
| 2. | The Way We Were |
| 3. | That's The Way Of The World |
| 4. | Bumpin' |
| 5. | Sweet Summer Breeze |
| 6. | Memories |
| 7. | Blues For Willie |
** also issued on Impulse! (J) MVCZ-80.
1976
Sonny Criss - The Joy Of Sax (Impulse! AS-9326)
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Patrice Rushen, electric piano; Mitch Holder, Lee Ritenour, guitar; Chuck Domanico, bass; James Gadson, drums; Eddie "Bongo" Brown, Esmond Edwards, percussion; string section: Charles Veal Jr., concertmaster; Arnold Belnick, Marcia Van Dyke, Harris Goldman, Haim Shtrum, Dorothy Wade, Kenneth Yerke, violin; Dennyse Buffum, Rollice Dale, Pamela Goldsmith, viola; Ronald Cooper, Raymond J. Kelley, cello.
ABC Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA;
The Burbank Studios, Burbank, CA, 1976
| You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling |
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Bill King, electric piano; Mitch Holder, Lee Ritenour, guitar; Scott Edwards, bass; James Gadson, drums; Esmond Edwards, percussion; horn section: Oscar Brashear, trumpet; George R. Bohanon, Garnett Brown, Raymond M. Jackson, trombone; George Bryan Thatcher, bass trombone; Barbara E. Korn, Alan Robinson, Robert L. Watt, French horn; Ernest J. Watts, tenor sax.
| Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing |
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Bill King, piano; Mitch Holder, Lee Ritenour, guitar; Scott Edwards, bass; James Gadson, drums; string section: Charles Veal Jr., concertmaster; Arnold Belnick, Marcia Van Dyke, Harris Goldman, Haim Shtrum, Dorothy Wade, Kenneth Yerke, violin; Dennyse Buffum, Rollice Dale, Pamela Goldsmith, viola; Ronald Cooper, Raymond J. Kelley, cello.
| You Are So Beautiful |
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Bill King, electric piano; Lee Ritenour, guitar; Scott Edwards, bass; James Gadson, drums; Esmond Edwards, percussion; horn section: Oscar Brashear, trumpet; George R. Bohanon, Garnett Brown, Raymond M. Jackson, trombone; George Bryan Thatcher, bass trombone; Barbara E. Korn, Alan Robinson, Robert L. Watt, French horn; Ernest J. Watts, tenor sax.
| Turn Me Loose |
Richard "Blue" Mitchell, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Patrice Rushen, electric piano; Lee Ritenour, guitar; Chuck Domanico, acoustic bass; James Gadson, drums; Eddie "Bongo" Brown, conga drums; string section: Charles Veal Jr., concertmaster; Arnold Belnick, Marcia Van Dyke, Harris Goldman, Haim Shtrum, Dorothy Wade, Kenneth Yerke, violin; Dennyse Buffum, Rollice Dale, Pamela Goldsmith, viola; Ronald Cooper, Raymond J. Kelley, cello.
| Stolen Moments |
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Sonny Burke, piano; McKinley T. Jackson, Clavinet; Mitch Holder, guitar; Henry E. Davis, bass; James Gadson, drums; Eddie "Bongo" Brown, conga drums; Esmond Edwards, percussion; Viola Jackson, vocals; horn section: Oscar Brashear, trumpet; George R. Bohanon, Garnett Brown, Raymond M. Jackson, trombone; George Bryan Thatcher, bass trombone; Barbara E. Korn, Alan Robinson, Robert L. Watt, French horn; Ernest J. Watts, tenor sax.
| Have A Talk With God |
Sonny Criss, alto sax; Bill King, piano; Lee Ritenour, guitar; Scott Edwards, bass; James Gadson, drums; Esmond Edwards, percussion; string section: Charles Veal Jr., concertmaster; Arnold Belnick, Marcia Van Dyke, Harris Goldman, Haim Shtrum, Dorothy Wade, Kenneth Yerke, violin; Dennyse Buffum, Rollice Dale, Pamela Goldsmith, viola; Ronald Cooper, Raymond J. Kelley, cello.
| Midnight Mellow |
** also issued on Impulse! (J) MVCZ-81.